All Blacks reappoint Henry

Graham Henry has been reappointed as New Zealand head coach on a two-year contract.

Henry was forced to reapply for his job following the All Blacks’ shock defeat to France in the World Cup quarter-finals.

The New Zealand Rugby Union announced their decision tonight after conducting interviews with Henry and the three other short-listed candidates, Robbie Deans, Colin Cooper and Ian Foster.

Henry, 61, was appointed head coach following the 2003 World Cup and has led the All Blacks to a hat-trick of Tri-Nations titles, a European Grand Slam tour and a 3-0 Test series win over the Lions.

Mike Eagle, acting chairman of the NZRU, said: “Graham’s record, both on and off the field, is among the best in All Blacks rugby history.

“He has set a very high standard in coaching, player management, and integration with the wider New Zealand rugby community.

“He has given a lot in a successful period for our game and the Board is convinced he has more to give the All Blacks and New Zealand rugby.

“As a result, we believe that in the best interests of New Zealand rugby, Graham and his team were the right choice.”

Henry becomes the first New Zealand coach to keep his job following defeat at a World Cup.

Henry said: “I’m very grateful for the chance to continue.

“We have been a strong and successful team over the last few years but we were hugely disappointed we didn’t bring the World Cup back for New Zealanders.

“We have learned lessons from this campaign and we now look forward to being able to build on those learnings and the experience we have.”

Eagle said the NZRU board must bear as much responsibility for the All Blacks’ World Cup defeat as Henry.

New Zealand had flown to France as the number one team in the world and heavy favourites to end their 20-year wait for the Webb Ellis trophy.

Eagle said: “At the end of the process, the board concluded that Graham Henry was the best candidate for the position.

“We are all disappointed not to have won the Rugby World Cup. In that regard, the NZRU Board accepts it was jointly responsible and accountable for the result and the planning that went into the campaign.

“We are committed to learning the key lessons, which will be explored in the independent review announced earlier this week led by Mike Heron and high performance expert Don Tricker.”

Deans, the Crusaders Super 14 coach and All Blacks assistant during the Mitchell regime, had been Henry’s closest rival for the position.

Deans may now attract the interest of the Australian Rugby Union, who are yet to announce John Connolly’s successor as Wallabies head coach.